Contributions of individual cover crop species to rainfed maize production in semi-arid cropping systems

Cover crop (CC) species selection can contribute to reducing soil penetration resistance (brassica species), improved nitrogen (N) cycling (legume and suppression of weeds (grass species). However, one the main concerns about including CCs in water-limited environments is water use consequences subsequent crops. To determine effects individual CC under environments, we evaluated fall spring biomass produced, N content, resistance, weed density during maize growing season, grain yield. The experiment was conducted a winter wheat-maize-fallow rotation at two locations (North Platte Grant, NE) 2016?2017 2017?2018 (four site-years). Treatments consisted seven popular plus control (fallow), planted after wheat harvest. Spring oats, Siberian kale, purple top turnip produced greater biomass, while cereal rye greatest amount biomass. reduced volumetric content North increased from 20–30 cm depth across site-years likely due use. cover growth suppressed early season. Due its aboveground production, decreased by 80 88 %, respectively, compared fallow treatment. On other hand, except for brassicas, levels all yield up 30 % (except oats). oats be an alternative as semi-arid regions. since did not promote any gain, our findings suggest that producers should caution when incorporating their cropping systems environments. This research provides valuable information on potential impact rainfed well help agronomists develop better management programs